DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cefizox® (ceftizoxime for injection, USP) is a sterile, semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, betalactamase resistant cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral (IV, IM) administration. It is the sodium salt of [6R-[6a,7B(Z)]]-7-[(2,3-dihydro-2-imino-4-thiazolyl) (methoxyimino)acetyl]amino]- 8-oxo-5-thia-i-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid. Its sodium content is approximately 60 mg (2.6 mEq) per gram of ceftizoxime activity.

It has the following molecular formula: C13H12N5NaO5S2 and its molecular weight is 405.38.

Ceftizoxime for injection, USP is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. Cefizox (ceftizoxime) is supplied in vials equivalent to 500 mg, 1 gram or 2 grams of ceftizoxime, and in Piggyback Vials for IV admixture equivalent to 1 gram or 2 grams of ceftizoxime.

What are the possible side effects of ceftizoxime injection (Cefizox)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

severe pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the needle was placed;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ceftizoxime injection (Cefizox)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftizoxime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are malnourished.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftizoxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftizoxime.